In AWE Podcast with Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Welcome to the In AWE Podcast where we amplify women by sharing their unique stories and empower a community through the mission in their message. Series formats highlight incredible women who leave us in awe of their impact on our world. The podcast is a feature developed by Sarah Johnson, former English teacher and school principal turned author and entrepreneur. Join our community by using the #InAWEPodcast hashtag. read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

Episode 150: Sponsorship Spotlight-In AWE of Jim Wichman
Apr 4 2024
Episode 150: Sponsorship Spotlight-In AWE of Jim Wichman
Throughout his 25 year career, Jim has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering collective efficacy within each school he has served. Having grown up in poverty and even experiencing homelessness, Jim is acutely aware of the challenges that students and educators face every day. His innovative and dedicated approach, focused on "Respecting, Supporting, and Valuing," has led to ongoing improvements for students, staff, parents, and systems. As the former principal of a middle school serving 1100 students, Jim left an indelible mark on the institution, "shaking the world as he went by." In addition to his exemplary work as an education administrator, Jim has also established himself as a highly sought-after speaker and leadership coach, with engagements across the country. His expertise in organizational culture and employer/employee relationships has been instrumental in transforming school cultures and improving educational outcomes. Jim's commitment to education is evident in his service as Iowa's NASSP State Coordinator for four years, where he worked with elected officials to advance education policies. Jim and his wife, Amy, who is also a lifelong educator, have three children. Together, they form a family dedicated to supporting education and improving outcomes for all students. In this episode, we discuss: Jim’s passion for supporting leaders at all levels in educational organizations, His influences from female leaders in his own life that have helped shape his philosophies and leadership style, And we hear Jim’s energy for growth, learning, and supporting female leaders as he grew along his own journey to understanding the unique challenges females face in the profession. Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Jim: Inspired Edification Jim on Twitter Jim on Instagram Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 149: In AWE of Michele Webb
Mar 14 2024
Episode 149: In AWE of Michele Webb
Michele Webb has over 27 years of experience in education to include: teaching, administration and division-wide leadership experience. Having a business and marketing background, Michele has extensive experience in various industries including athletics, private education and K-12 public education spanning across four large school divisions. She has multiple credentials in facilitating workshops, keynote presentations, and coaching individuals to maximize their purpose. Her certifications include Maxwell presenter/coach; Gallup Strengths coach; Fierce Conversations and Covey facilitator. Michele has a passion to support individuals maximize their full potential. She has pioneered school and divisionwide initiatives that have resulted in sustained impact.  Currently, Michele leads the leadership development program in Prince William County Public Schools. She continues to be an advocate to educate our children in order to make a difference in our society. She strives to develop leadership by instilling life skills, resiliency and how to be goal-driven and reflective.  Overall, Michele strives to inspire individuals to realize and achieve their ultimate purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Michele’s journey from business and marketing into the classroom and what has led her to leadership development work Her insightful thoughts about keeping current in leadership topics and what it takes to lead today, And her dynamic upbringing helped inform her purposed leadership beyond the scope of her leadership titles.  Connect with Michele: Michele on Twitter Make a Difference Network–Book Michele and her team! Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 148: Sponsorship Spotlight- In AWE of Ted Neitzke
Feb 29 2024
Episode 148: Sponsorship Spotlight- In AWE of Ted Neitzke
Ten minutes with Ted, and you will be energized by his optimism and passion for leadership. You will also have an understanding of why the people who know him the best say that he is "contagiously energetic, insanely curious, service-oriented, and passionate about the young people of our world." Chief Executive Officer and Agency Administrator for CESA 6, Ted is a motivational keynote speaker who has presented to thousands of educators around the country. He demonstrates the power every individual carries to influence other people through optimism and cognizant leadership. Ted has been a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Ted is also the host and creator of "The Smart Thinking" podcast which is dedicated to supporting leadership in the classroom, the boardroom, and in life by sparking reflection, action, collaboration, and empathy. In this episode, we discuss: Ted’s focus on family and his most important influences throughout his journey in education His sponsorship of female leaders through the Women Leading Wisconsin conference through CESA 6 as well as his desire to grow a more equitable leadership landscape for female leaders And we hear wonderful insights into Ted’s passion for education, service, and roots of his podcast as well as several powerfully reflective moments  Ted on LinkedIn The Smart Thinking Podcast and more connections with Ted on CESA 6 Page Women Leading Wisconsin 7th Annual Conference Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Jimmy:Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more.Review the Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 147: In AWE of Monika King
Feb 27 2024
Episode 147: In AWE of Monika King
Monika King has been an educator for 36 years. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in School Leadership from Benedictine College, as well as a Master’s degree in Science Education from Wichita State University. Monika was a science teacher for middle and high school students in the Wichita Diocese Catholic School. She was then the secondary science coordinator for Wichita Public Schools until she became Principal of Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, Kan. She returned to Wichita in 2022 and teaches science at Kapaun Mount Carmel High School again. She has been an adjunct professor for Benedictine College, Southwestern College, and the University of Phoenix. Monika is a recipient of the 2017 M. Claradine Johnson, awarded to those determined in their efforts to ensure that quality was incorporated into every aspect of the accreditation model. In 2018 she was awarded the AdvancED Excellence in Education Award for her dynamic role in Maur Hill-Mount Academy’s revitalization.    She has been married for 35 years to her husband Stephen, and they have four adult children and two granddaughters. In this episode, we discuss: Monika’s lineage and how her upbringing has informed her leadership and life Her experiences in school leadership and her experiences going back into the classroom, and  She shares inspirational messages through her personal journey through healing from illness and maintaining a strong faith Monika on Twitter Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Monika:Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more.Review the Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 146: Sponsorship Spotlight In AWE of Jimmy Casas
Jan 31 2024
Episode 146: Sponsorship Spotlight In AWE of Jimmy Casas
In this first Sponsorship Spotlight, Sarah features Jimmy Casas, educator, author, publisher, nationally known and celebrated public speaker, leadership coach, and friend. Jimmy is the owner of J Casas and Associates, an executive leadership coaching company and ConnectEDD, a publishing company. Jimmy is known for his educational leadership books Culturize: Every Student, Every Day, Whatever it Takes, and his most recent book Recalibrate the Culture: Our Why, Our Work, Our Values. He is a loving father of three adult children and stepdad to two sons, a devoted husband, son, and a champion for students and educators across the country.  In this episode, we discuss: His own journey of being sponsored to become an author and book publisher, Jimmy’s sponsorship of several key women in his own life who he continues to elevate and partner with in his work through both his businesses,  And we hear awe-inspiring details about how Jimmy intentionally elevated female leaders, creating opportunities and a greater diversity of representation at his school and in his business.  Connect with Jimmy J Casas and Associates ConnectED Publishing Jimmy on Twitter Jimmy on Facebook Jimmy on Instagram Jimmy on LinkedIN Mentioned in the Episode: In AWE of Khela Casas In AWE of Joy Kelly Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Jimmy:Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more.Review the Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 145: In AWE of Heather Cox
Jan 8 2024
Episode 145: In AWE of Heather Cox
Heather Cox knew she would be an educator since she was young, designing Sunday school lessons for her dolls, and after 22 years that still describes her heart!  She is passionate about intertwining her faith in every part of her life whether it’s as an elementary principal, a wife, a mother, or a public speaker.  Heather’s greatest joys are her three grown children and her amazing husband (who is a mental health therapist).  Heather writes devotional messages about prayer and leadership on her blog. In this episode, we discuss: Her journey in the principalship and what fuels her passion for the position Heather’s experience in melding her history in mission work and how her faith continues to guide her path How her motherhood journey has shifted as her children have grown and how she continues to care for herself to lead strong Connect with Heather:⁠⁠Heather's Blog ⁠⁠Connect with Sarah Johnson: ⁠Sarah's Website⁠ ⁠Sarah on Twitter⁠ ⁠Sarah on IG⁠ ⁠Sarah on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Sarah on Facebook⁠ ⁠In AWE Podcast⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast⁠ The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? ⁠Contact Sarah Johnson⁠ for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 143: In AWE of Dr. Shannon Donnelly-Mentorship Series
Aug 7 2023
Episode 143: In AWE of Dr. Shannon Donnelly-Mentorship Series
Dr. Shannon Donnelly has just completed her 23rd year in education. She has been a Special Education Teacher, a Director of Pupil Services, a High School Principal, and just completed her first year as the Superintendent of the Somerset School District. Dr. Donnelly has a passion for the work of transforming schools to ensure that students are experiencing a learning environment that more closely mirrors the ever-changing world students will enter upon graduation. She is often heard stating, "If schools still look like they did when I graduated in 1995, we have a problem". In addition, Dr. Donnelly has worked with over 25 school districts that have wanted to embark on a journey of creating a flexible master schedule that abandons the structures that were created over 150 years ago for schools (and sadly still exist in most schools today). In her free time, she enjoys watching her boys participate in sports and spending time at their family cabin. In this episode, we discuss: Shannon's journey into becoming a school superintendent Her experiences with successfully completing her doctoral degree while also leading a school and now a district through a global pandemic, and She shares her passion for leading locally and more broadly mindsets to shift how we create conditions in our schools for experiences we want students to have rather than how they were done 150 years ago. Connect with Shannon:⁠ Shannon on IG Shannon’s emailShannon on Twitter⁠ Shannon’s website Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 142: In AWE of Erika Bare-Connectors Series
Jul 24 2023
Episode 142: In AWE of Erika Bare-Connectors Series
Erika has been a proud educator for over twenty years, serving in a variety of roles. She currently serves the Assistant Superintendent for the Ashland School District in beautiful Southern Oregon. She grew up in Portland, OR, graduating from the University of Oregon with a Master’s in Education in 2001. She dove head first into her career as a special education teacher at the middle school level. In this work, she endeavored to provide each student with the individualized supports needed to reach their limitless potential. This continued to inspire her when her family relocated to Southern Oregon, and she became a special education teacher on special assignment serving K-12 students.  She earned her administrative credential in 2012 at Southern Oregon University, and transitioned to an administrative role at award winning Ashland High School as assistant principal and then principal. She had the great privilege of teaching and learning alongside a tremendous group of educators for seven joy-filled years. Following a desire to work with our youngest students, she moved to the elementary level as principal in a neighboring district, before being called to have a broader impact at the district office level, overseeing special education, counseling and behavioral health, social emotional learning, and elementary programs. Supporting all students through individualized supports continues to fuel her today, serving as both her why and her passion.  Erika is the co-author of Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students and has developed and led workshops and professional development activities addressing a multitude of topics in education, communication, and leadership. These include School Improvement Science; Universal Design for Learning; Special Education; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Orientation and Training for Administrators; Leadership; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Family Outreach and Engagement, and of course- how to connect through conversation in schools.  Erika lives in Southern Oregon with her extremely supportive husband, two remarkable teenage children, and a very mischievous cat. She feels especially fortunate to live in the community she serves. In this episode, we discuss:  Erika’s educational journey and what led her to co-author a book, The importance of connection in our schools and the need to include all adults who talk with kids in the development Erika shares insights into her passion for serving educators to better serve children.  Connect with Erika:⁠ Erika on Twitter Erika on IG Erika on Facebook Erika’s email  Connecting Through Conversations: A Playbook for Talking with Students Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the PodcastThe ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Episode 141: In AWE of Cami Meyers-Connections Series
Jul 10 2023
Episode 141: In AWE of Cami Meyers-Connections Series
Cami Meyers started writing because she was a jealous little sister who wanted to try writing because her older brother was being forced into it. In natural little sister fashion, she stormed off but then started scribbling a story where her brother was the villain. She is a teenage author, excited and simultaneously terrified to be publishing her very first book. Cami lives in Northern Wisconsin with her parents, brother, and two dogs, who she loves more than anything in the world. When not reading or writing—which, admittedly, is what she does most of the time—she likes to watch and critique movies, spend time with her friends, correct the grammar of grown adults, and sing (even though she's not very good). She enjoys musicals and music, and can rarely be found without a song stuck in her head. Her dream is to keep writing and just make it through algebra. In this episode, we discuss: Her job shadowing experience and our connection,The book she wrote and published and the process for self-publishingAnd we dive into Cami’s inspiration to write her passions, dreams, goals, and aspirations.  Cami’s Book: Because of Nadia: A Novella Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the PodcastThe ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message
Jolt 96: Awe Inspiring Moments-Healing Reflections
Jun 12 2023
Jolt 96: Awe Inspiring Moments-Healing Reflections
With June bringing the In Awe of Healers Series, Sarah's jolt discusses the concept of healing ourselves as she bridges the two interviews for the month. Make sure you catch Jen Rafferty's episode where she shares how to go about healing internally - you will be inspired by the tips she provides. Educators and professionals need to work to mitigate burnout and build a sustainable career, where they can regain their passion to care well for the people around them. The upcoming interview in June will be a fantastic episode with the Enchanted Reading Specialists. The spiritual work they do can be healing and life altering, and Sarah shares her own experience working with them and the impact it has had on her own healing journey. Take some time this month to make space to reflect on the healing you may need! Connect with Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to Sarah’s Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the PodcastThe ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inawepodcast/message